Santa Fe High Senior Presented with Award of Merit for Leadership, Athleticism

CommunityEducationHuman Interest

Santa Fe High Senior Presented with Award of Merit for Leadership, Athleticism
Santa Fe High School senior Abigail Cetina was presented with an Award of Merit from the Whittier Union Board of Trustees during a November 12 meeting.
Throughout her time at Santa Fe High School, senior Abigail Cetina has demonstrated poise, determination, and enthusiasm, whether she is serving her classmates as Associated Student Body (ASB) president or leading her teammates to a Del Rio League volleyball championship.

As captain of the Chieftain volleyball team for the last two seasons, Cetina has provided a winning touch, leading this year’s team to 17 victories in its first 18 matches and going undefeated in league play. She is also in her second year as captain of the Santa Fe girls basketball team.

Off the court, Cetina brings vision, empathy, and integrity to her role as ASB president, finding time in her busy schedule to organize school events, promote school spirit, and foster a sense of family in the Santa Fe community, according to Santa Fe assistant principal Fernie Fernandez.

For her leadership throughout Santa Fe’s campus life, the Whittier Union Board of Trustees presented Cetina with an Award of Merit during its November 12 Board meeting.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award and wish to express my gratitude toward my principal, Mr. Craig Campbell, and Santa Fe High School,” Cetina said. “Reflecting on my four years here, I feel incredibly fortunate to have called Santa Fe my home. I will always carry the spirit of being a Chief in my heart. I take pride in my contributions to the vibrant culture on campus.”

Cetina also thanked her counselor, coaches, teammates, and advisors and acknowledged her father as her greatest supporter.

“Whether I had the desire to join a sport, participate in ASB, or take part in pageants, my father has always encouraged me and ensured I had everything I needed to succeed,” Cetina said.

Cetina is also an academic leader with a 4.11 GPA and dreams of attending UCLA to study business, economics, and marketing, in hopes of becoming a commercial real estate broker. She already has a head start on her career path after completing a real estate internship last summer.

Santa Fe math teacher and ASB advisor Theresa Gladfelter has monitored Cetina’s growth since her freshman year when she was a student in her Algebra 1 class. The next year, as an Algebra 2 Honors student, Cetina served as an Algebra 1 tutor.

“I have watched Abigail grow into a mature, respectful, and kind young lady,” Gladfelter said. “I knew her as a great leader in math class because she was always willing to help me and her peers. Now, as her ASB advisor, I enjoy seeing Abigail guiding her cabinet while maintaining all 'A's' in her classes and being an outstanding athlete.”

In addition to her work at school, Cetina has also spent two years as a member of the Santa Fe Springs Royal Court, where she has had the opportunity to work with the Santa Fe Springs City Council, participate in Tournament of Roses events, apply for scholarships, and serve the Santa Fe Springs community as a Royal Court ambassador.

“Abigail does everything with a smile and positive attitude. Her personality is infectious and fills the room,” Campbell said. “Because of her strong work ethic, incredible personality, drive, and unparalleled desire for success, we know that Abigail will excel in whichever path she takes. She is an amazing young woman who exemplifies everything we want from a graduate of Santa Fe High School.”

Santa Fe High Senior Presented with Award of Merit for Leadership, Athleticism